A/Prof. Shohreh Majd1, Mrs. Mojca Bizjak-Mikic1, Mr. Andrew Tombs1, Mrs Cam Duyen Le1
1Council Of Ambulance Authorities, , Australia
Biography:
Associate Professor Shohreh Majd is a neuroscientist and the Policy and Research Manager at the Council of Ambulance Authorities. An award-winning academic and editor-in-chief, she has over 20 years of research and teaching experience in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, human physiology, and patient care, advancing understanding of brain function and safety.
Abstract:
Workforce demographics are a vital component of strategic ambulance service planning, providing insight into recruitment, retention, succession management, and diversity initiatives. This study examines the age and gender composition of operational ambulance staff across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) between 2020 and 2025, highlighting trends with implications for workforce sustainability and operational capacity.
In Australia, the proportion of staff under 30 years ranged from 21.3% to 34.9% across services, with younger age groups increasing over the five-year period. Nationally, in 2024/25, 27.8% of staff were under 30 years, 35.3% were 30–39 years, and 36.9% were 40 years and above, reflecting a gradual decline in older staff and a steady influx of younger employees. Female representation also increased, reaching 55.3% in 2024/25, with variability across individual services.
In New Zealand, the proportion of staff under 30 years rose across key services, with Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance reporting 31.1% and 35.4% respectively in 2024/25. Female representation remained strong, with 56.5% to 57.7% of operational staff identifying as female.
In PNG, younger staff under 30 years accounted for 25% of the workforce in 2024/25, following a slight decline from earlier years. Female representation was lower at 28.9%, indicating opportunities for targeted diversity initiatives.
These findings highlight evolving workforce demographics across the Australasian region, emphasising the importance of succession planning, recruitment strategies, and diversity initiatives. Understanding these trends is essential for maintaining a balanced, sustainable, and operationally capable ambulance workforce across Australia, New Zealand, and PNG.